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Put life back into your faded and weather-worn deck with a coat of waterproofing deck stain. These products are designed to restore and protect the wood from water damage, mildew and destructive ultraviolet rays. To enhance the natural beauty of the wood and keep it looking like new, apply the stain every three years. Weekend warriors who enjoy home-improvement projects can refurbish their deck in two weekends – prepare and clean the deck in one weekend and stain it the next.

Prep Work

1

Remove any deck chairs, tables, benches, plants, grill and all other moveable items. Use a leaf blower to remove surface dirt and debris from the deck.

2

Look for any screws that may be sticking up above the surface of the wood. If necessary, use a drill and remove the screws and then replace them with longer decking screws.

3

Poke an awl into any wood boards that appear to have some rot damage. If the damage is less than 1/2 inch, you can leave the board in place. Otherwise, remove the board with a flat pry bar, cut a replacement board to size and install it with decking screws.

4

Scrape in between the boards with a putty knife to dislodge any buildup of dirt and debris. Blow off the deck again to remove the debris.

Deck Cleaning

1

Mix powdered oxygen bleach with warm water in a garden pump sprayer. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the correct bleach-to-water ratio. Some products require the deck to be hosed down before applying the bleach; refer to the instructions on the container.

2

Spray the mixture onto the deck starting at one end and working your way to the opposite end. Allow the mixture to sit and soak into the wood for 10 minutes and then scrub the boards with a long-handled scrub brush. Scrub in the direction of the boards.

3

Rinse the deck thoroughly with a hose equipped with a high-pressure nozzle. Allow the deck to dry for 72 hours.

Deck Staining and Sealing

1

Stir or shake the container of latex waterproofing stain. Pour a portion into a paint tray and load your paint roller with the stain. Begin at one end of your deck and work side to side toward the opposite end. Roll on an even coat of stain, working in the direction of the boards and in 4-foot-square sections.

2

Keep the leading edges wet to help prevent noticeable overlapping strokes. Avoid stain puddles. If necessary, use a paintbrush to spread out any puddles and to blend the edges of adjoining sections for a uniform appearance.

3

Apply the latex waterproofing stain to the ends of all decking boards with a paintbrush. Depending on the product, you may only need one coat. If you apply another coat, allow the first coat to dry for three hours before applying the second coat.

4

Mix mild liquid detergent and warm water together in a bucket. Soak the rollers and brushes in the soapy water for several hours and then rinse them with clean water. Allow the deck to dry 24 hours before using it.

Things You Will Need

Leaf blower

Drill with screwdriver bit

Decking screws (if necessary)

Awl

Flat pry bar (if necessary)

Replacement deck boards (if necessary)

Circular saw (if necessary)

Putty knife

Powdered oxygen bleach

Garden pump sprayer

Long-handled scrub brush

Hose with high-pressure nozzle

Latex waterproofing stain

Paint tray

Paint roller with long handle attachment

Paintbrush

Mild liquid detergent

Bucket

Tips

Check the weather. If there is not a minimum of three rain-free days, do not apply the stain.

Do not apply the stain in direct sunlight.

Cover any nearby bushes and plants with plastic to protect them from the bleach cleaner and stain.